The North Carolina Birding Trail links 300+ bird watching sites and birders with communities, businesses and educational attractions. But it is more than lines on a map, and birders do more than seek out rare birds. They help others learn about birds. They help scientists collect data. They can benefit local economies. The North Carolina Birding Trail is a network in many ways, for the benefit of all.

Description

You can see Pilot Mountain rising more than 1,400 feet above the rolling countryside of the upper Piedmont plateau as you approach the park. The mountain section of Pilot Mountain State Park is forested in typical northern piedmont mixed hardwoods/pine, with elevation ranging from approximately 1000 feet above sea level to 2400 feet, culminating in a quartzite monadnock at the summit area. The Little Pinnacle Overlook offers hikers a close-up view of Big Pinnacle and distant views of the valley below. The 2-mile portion of the Yadkin River that flows through the park's lower elevation is one of the most scenic stretches along the river's course. Here, the river is broad and shallow. Two small islands, 45 and 15 acres in size, lie in the river. A 6.5-mile woodland corridor links the two sections of the park. Camping is available at the mountain section. All sections have hiking trails and day use facilities. Migrating raptors may be observed from the summit area starting in late September into November. A wide variety of birds associated with water may be seen in the river section, including Bald Eagle, Snowy Egret, and an occasional Green Heron.

Habitat

Access and Parking

The park is open 8am to 6pm, November - February; 8am to 7pm, March and October; 8am to 8pm, April, May, and September; 8am to 9pm June - August. The park office is open 8am to 5pm, weekdays.

Directions

Pinnacle, take US 52 north to the Pilot Mountain State Park exit and travel west to the park entrance. To reach the north River Section, take the Pinnacle exit from US 52 and follow the signs to Horne Creek Farm. The park entrance is 0.5 miles beyond the Horne Creek Farm entrance.